In "Creation and the Patriarchal Histories: Orthodox Christian Reflections on the Book of Genesis," Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon shows clearly how the proper understanding of Creation and the Fall informs all of Christian doctrine, and how the narratives of the patriarchs from Noah to Joseph pave the way for the salvation history that continues in Exodus.

This commentary is illuminating and instructive for anyone seeking to understand the Epistle to the Hebrews from the perspective of the Orthodox Church. Frequent mention is made of the specific placement of selected readings from the Epistle in the Church's liturgical and sacramental celebrations, and therefore this book is particularly useful for those responsible for preaching and teaching in the Church.

Noteworthy here is the fact that readings from Hebrews are prescribed during the two most important times in the Orthodox liturgical year: the days prior to the celebration of the Nativity of Christ and the Great Fast before Pascha.

The author's exposition of Hebrews 3:13 summarizes well the purpose and pastoral tone of the whole Commentary: "exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

His Eminence Dmitri is Archbishop of Dallas and the South, of the Orthodox Church in America.